The Urbana and Champaign park districts, alongside the Urbana Rotary Club and other community organizations, will host a Martin Luther King Jr. March for Peace on April 4, according to a press release. ’
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at King Park in Urbana and continue with a march to Douglass Park in Champaign. Organizers said the event is meant to honor King’s legacy of peaceful activism on the anniversary of his assassination.
At Douglass Annex, attendees will be able to view an exhibit from the Champaign County Historical Archives, presented by the Urbana Free Library. Officials from both park districts and other community leaders are also expected to speak at each site.
“Dr. King’s message of peaceful activism is just as important today as it was decades ago,” wrote Urbana Park District executive director Rachel Lenz. “The March for Peace is an opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and walk forward with intention — reminding us that peace isn’t just something we hope for, but something we choose through our actions every day.”
Sarah Sandquist, executive director of the Champaign Park District, wrote that the event is also an opportunity to bring the two cities together.
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“Champaign Park District respects the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and appreciates any opportunity to unite Champaign and Urbana in peace,” Sandquist wrote. “I look forward to taking time to reflect on our community as we travel together from King Park to Douglass Park.”
The event is free and open to the public. The Champaign Park District will provide transportation between the two parks.
People who march from King Park to Douglass Park will be able to ride back to their vehicles afterward. Those who do not want to march may park at Douglass Park and take transportation to King Park for the opening remarks before returning to Douglass Park for closing remarks, refreshments and the exhibit.
